Leeds United know the task ahead next season. The Whites have to survive in the Premier League, even after the events of recent seasons.
The last two seasons have seen all the newly-promoted clubs go straight back down to the Championship. Leicester City and Ispwich Town were promoted ahead of Leeds last year with 80 points each, but both clubs failed to hit 30 points in the top flight. The gap in quality between the newly-promoted sides and the rest of the league continues to grow.
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Leeds will hope their recruitment this summer will be enough to bridge the gap, and guide them to safety.
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Sam Byram returns on a new deal
The summer transfer window began with two players set to leave as free agents; Junior Firpo and Sam Byram. Both have been a big part of the club’s success over the last two seasons.
While Firpo turned down a new contract offer to leave Elland Road, Byram decided to sign a one-year deal. He will provide experience and depth at the fullback position for next season.
Leeds United tipped to do the impossible
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Byram was passionate when the club lifted the league title on the final day, and was glad to return if needed.
Now that he will be a part of next season, he thinks that Leeds can beat the odds and survive relegation:
“We need to obviously not underestimate the task ahead,” Byram said to LUTV.
“But when you look at a club the size of Leeds, with the fan base and the support and the stadium, I think there is no better team for the challenge.”
Are the summer signings enough to survive in the Premier League?
Leeds have certainly upgraded some areas of the squad. Especially in defence, Jaka Bijol is a huge addition. The defender brings physicality and aerial presence. He is also very good on the ball.
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Sebastiaan Bornauw will fill in as a rotation option, he will not feature much but he is a very good asset off the bench. He also has a knack for scoring goals from set pieces. He could be a useful option late in games.
Gabriel Gudmundsson is also a great pickup from Lille. He will not immediately replace the attacking output from Junior Firpo, but he is a solid defensive left back who can drive the ball up the pitch.
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Lukas Nmecha is tipped to be a rotation option, the forward will play a variety of roles in attack. Leeds are keen on signing another center forward this summer.
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